burn your fingers

burn (one's) fingers

To suffer an unpleasant or ruinous consequence (especially the loss of money) for some action, often such that one becomes unwilling or reluctant to do it again. During the boom times, countless would-be investors put everything they owned into shady investment deals, and most of them ended up burning their fingers badly.
See also: burn, finger
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

burn your fingers (or get your fingers burned/burnt)

suffer unpleasant consequences as a result of your actions.
1998 Times An American buyer remains a possibility, although it is not entirely clear why any would want to risk getting their fingers burnt twice.
See also: burn, finger
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • burn (one's) fingers
  • burn one's fingers
  • get (one's) fingers burned
  • get fingers burned
  • get your fingers burned
  • get your fingers burnt
  • have (one's) fingers burned
  • come to a bad end
  • come to a bad/sticky end
  • here we go again
References in classic literature
'Cos you'll only burn your fingers if you don't, that's why.
The Man Upstairs and Other Stories
You may burn your fingers a little, of course; but then it's a hundred thousand roubles, remember--it won't take you long to lay hold of it and snatch it out.
The Idiot
A hot pool of melted wax can burn your fingers if you dive in for a wick before it's cooled and solidified.
How to keep the flame aglow all season
Beware of holding the pipe from the bowl especially on this model of pipe since it gets hot and can burn your fingers.
Here Are The Best Ways To Smoke Pot For Different Occasions
Try the Wicked Weaver bubble barrel attachment (PS11.99) for a head full of different waves - but be sure to wear the gloves as it's very easy to burn your fingers.
six of the bestHAIRSTYLING GADGETS
Cox and Cox (www.coxandcox.co.uk) has an extending toasting fork that ensures that you don't burn your fingers in the process.
Gearing up for the festive season
The next time you are hungry and crave a bite into a cheesy pizza, there will be no need to look for cash at home, run to the nearest ATM or burn your fingers at the stove.
Domino's Pizza India Now Accepts Credit Card For Delivery!
Washington, July 27 (ANI): The first time you burn your fingers by touching a hot stove you get the lesson to avoid doing it in the future.
Science behind 'once bitten, twice shy' unravelled
So don't burn your fingers like you have burnt your letters outside the town hall, take whatever is offered, you will not regret it.
Mailbag: Know when you're well off!
Then unwrap the foil, taking care not to burn your fingers.
Family Life: Small portions
6 For serving, carefully place the cooked bananas back into the "petal" skins, taking care not to burn your fingers. Serve immediately.
SIMPLY SCRUMPTIOUS.. Baked Bananas
Never use your finger as a dipstick unless you want hot grease to burn your fingers.
Overfilling is overboard
If you buy today to make a big killing in two years' time, you are quite likely to burn your fingers."
Housing boom nears its peak; HOMES
But closer inspection reveals that this limited SE variant is a red hot little number at a price that won't burn your fingers.
Wedgwood Blue heaven